Renovation of a mixed-use development in Asheville, North Carolina. Conceptual plans call for the renovation of a medical facility.

The purpose of this Amendment is to answer questions posed by industry. please refer to attachment titled S06 36C24624R0006-A00001. DESCRIPTION: This is a Pre-Solicitation Notice for the establishment of an Architect-Engineering (A-E) Design Contract with services to be performed at the Charles George Veterans Administration Medical Center located at 1100 Tunnel Road, Asheville, NC 28805. This requirement is being executed under a 100% Set-Aside to Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) firms. THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL; NO SOLICITATION PACKAGE WILL BE ISSUED UNTIL AFTER AN EVALUATION HAS BEEN MADE ON THE PROVIDED SF-330s. The SF-330 can be downloaded through the GSA Forms Library at: http://www.gsa.gov/portal/forms/type/TOP, scroll down to locate and click on the SF-330 hyperlink entitled, Architect-Engineer Qualifications. Interested firms should submit their SF-330, Parts I and II, to Crystil.Bennet@va.gov. The SF-330s are due no later than 8:00 AM, EST, December 5, 2023. SCOPE OF WORK: This project requires the services of an Architectural Engineering Firm (AE) having special knowledge of medical facility design. The AE shall be responsible for providing services necessary to deliver a constructable design, to include but not limited to, Mechanical, Plumbing, Civil, Electrical, Fire Protection, Structural, and other such specialties which encompass the investigation and confirmation of the existing structure and the planning/design of building expansions. Intent This project is intended for the design of approximately 21,000 sq renovation of Wards 3 East and 3 West Project #637-24-103 1100 Asheville, NC. The A/E shall be responsible for the performance of the Investigative Services, Preparation of Contract Drawings and Specifications, and be responsible for providing Construction Period Services. Requirements The AE selected is expected to: Part Ia Preparation of Existing Conditions and Conceptual Design Investigative Services: Preparation of existing conditions plan and conceptual design which includes site investigation for mechanical, plumbing, and environmental hazards, such as suspect ACM, other hazardous materials. Work will consist of A/E personnel crawling in crawlspaces, removing ceiling tile and tracing ductwork above ceilings, and tracing ductwork in the building penthouse. Perform project site investigation in accordance with the Site Investigations section of the Scope of Work. Physically survey as well as review record drawings of the existing building. Inform CO/COR of supplemental information gathering that may be required. Conduct on-site work session with User Group and other members of the Integrated Project Team to discuss conceptual options. Describe all measures available to achieve the project objectives, including the benefits and drawbacks of each measure, to guide decisions by the facility during schematic design. The decision of which alternatives to select for the construction project rests with the VA. Develop and describe a construction strategy that allows existing functions to continue during Construction. Develop this strategy in development of construction documents. Participate in a conference call after VA has completed Schematic Design review. AE shall review needs identified by the IPT for the area under consideration for design and provide recommendations. In addition, the project shall be phased to minimize the impact to the Medical Center operations and patient care. Prior to submission of schematic design material, the AE shall meet with the VAMC s COR to discuss proposed phasing requirements for the project. These phasing requirements shall describe the general sequence of the project work, estimated project duration, and what VA constraints will exist that will influence the Contractor's approach to the construction project. The AE shall be responsible for documenting the phasing requirements. The AE shall make site visits as required to determine existing as-built conditions affecting this project. Information, including drawings and other documentation, provided to the AE shall be used as reference only. The AE is responsible for verifying all existing site conditions to include but not be limited to: crawling in crawlspaces, looking above ceilings and the building penthouse. Coordinate visits with the COR as assigned at the NTP. The AE shall arrange for and oversee the performance of such investigations necessary for the proper design of the project. AutoCAD background drawings shall be provided by the VA upon request if available and shall be used as reference only. The AE shall field verify every aspect that relates to the project. Perform Photographic Documentation during Investigative Services; files are to be maintained for future reference of existing conditions for construction documents and unforeseen unit costing basis. The Contractor shall prepare digital photo documentation of construction work, including sites, buildings, and field activities. Digital photos shall be submitted in JPEG format to the project website, and to a resolution sufficient and appropriate for the type of work photographed. The Contractor shall provide an index for each set of photographs submitted identifying the contractor, base, facility, project number, date, and a brief description. The Contractor shall coordinate photography of any kind through the COR. The AE shall complete all necessary site investigations prior to the 15% Schematic Design submission. Part Ib Preparation of Contract Drawings and Specifications Design Development: Preparation and submission of construction bid documents, interim design document submittals, and the final construction bid documents at the completion of the design development process in accordance with the Design Package Submission Schedule section. Design document packages shall contain a complete set of documents as specified in the Design Requirements/ Submissions section of this scope of work. The AE shall develop a design necessary to meet the requirements in the Project Scope section of the scope of work. Design shall include engineering services rendered necessary by the VA at the end of Part Ia Investigative Services within the construction cost parameters. Design and produce construction documents for implementation of the selected alternatives. Submittals must include the components listed on the A/E Submission Instructions for Minor and NRM Construction Program https://www.cfm.va.gov/ til/ ae/ aesubmin.doc. Submittal Register - Provide a list to the VA of technical submittals that will be required. Intended for long-term use, the project design specifications must provide, to the maximum extent practicable, a final product of enduring quality; Energy and water efficient; Environmentally conscious; Functional and requiring low maintenance; Durable; Flexible for changing uses; Universally accessible; Sustainable; Operationally cost effective; Compliant with appropriate codes, statutes, and VHA requirements. Construction documents must be complete, clear, specific, accurate, coordinated between disciplines, quantifiable, and explicit in quality expectations for suitable materials, systems, and workmanship. Throughout the design phases of the project, the A/E shall work closely with the COR and Integrated Project Team to ascertain and confirm all project requirements. The Contractor shall attend meetings and teleconferences to discuss technical requirements, issues, and project progress and status as required. The Contractor shall prepare, and submit for review, presentation materials for meetings and an agenda. The Contractor shall be responsible for taking meeting minutes, prepare and submit minutes for all meetings attended no later than 3 business days, with the exception of the IPT meetings as discussed in previous paragraph, after the meeting has occurred. The minutes shall be sent to the Contracting Officer and COR for coordination and approval prior to distribution. The AE shall provide an evaluation, cost estimate and conceptual plans to determine the feasibility of completing the project within project budget. Disadvantages and advantages shall be provided including impacts to patient care/medical center operations and order of magnitude cost estimates (with cost of patient care factored into the economy/feasibility) Part II - Construction Period Services: Review and provide concise recommendations on all submittals, shop drawings, product data, samples, RFI s (Questions & Clarification Requests), change order proposals, etc. in accordance with Construction Period Services section of this statement of work. Services shall include third party asbestos monitoring, if needed, that will be performed during construction by a NC DHEC Certified Asbestos Air Sampler. Services shall include providing record drawings based on finalized contractor red-line as-builts. Assist in answering questions and provide clarifications as deemed necessary by the Contracting Officer or COR during solicitation and issuing any addendums, revise drawings/Specifications, etc. necessary to fully and completely address questions any and all questions submitted by the COR, Contracting Officer and awarded Construction Contractor. Serve as an advisor and provide assistance to the VA to determine whether the contractor or subcontractor meets technical qualification requirements, assist in the review of contractor proposals for technical acceptability, support by written recommendations of any problems or litigation encountered in past performance based on first-hand knowledge. Review all submissions and provide concise direction to the VA. Provide direction within 5 business days upon request for shop drawings, product data, installation instructions, samples, etc. Provide direction within 5 business days for RFI s and change order proposals. Changes to contract documents based on errors and omissions in design will be at no cost to the VA to include cost estimates for the change. The CO shall make the final determination on what is or is not an error or omission. Provide Commissioning for all affected systems. Prepare record drawings based on contractor red-line as-built drawings with correspondence performed during construction. The AE shall provide a set of updated drawings and specifications on CD within 20 business days of construction contract completion to the COR. The AE shall function as the commissioning agent for all necessary commissioning actions. The AE shall provide testing, inspection and reporting services during construction. The AE must conduct a site visit, at least once a month, during each phase of the project, and must be present for every test or inspection and to document the outcome. Part III Construction Period Site Visits: Visit the site at the request of the VA in accordance with section Site Visits in the scope of work. The AE shall respond on site within an 8-hour period when requested. The total number of site visits during the construction period is estimated to be 32 for this project, which may be finalized after selection of the AE and during negotiation of the proposal. Each site visit shall be documented through a field report denoting the purpose and results of the site visit. Make site visits on requests of the VA and prepare documented field reports denoting the purpose and results of the site visit, to include agreed upon changes in design as determined necessary during the construction. Visits made based on errors and omissions in design will be at no cost to the VA. Participate in partial/final acceptance inspections (in-wall, above ceiling, and final) as scheduled and generate punch list items for completion. Inspections shall cover quality of installations and locations/placement of items in accordance with the contract documents. The punch list shall reference the contract documents for specific deficiencies (i.e. specification section, drawing detail, etc.). Attend the pre-bid and pre-construction conference to review and confirm project scope. During construction, allow for a minimum of site visits as negotiated for the contract, as directed and scheduled by the COR. OFFERORS WILL BE EVALUATED ON THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA: The submitted SF-330s will be evaluated on the following criteria: This acquisition will be in accordance with FAR Part 36.602-1 and VAAR Part 836.601-1. The following evaluation criteria will be used to evaluate SF 330 technical proposals: The A/E must demonstrate its qualifications with respect to the published evaluation criteria for all services. Evaluation Criteria (1) and (2) are considered the most important and listed in descending order of importance; Criteria (5) is of significantly less importance than (1) through (4) but the associated value of 1 through 4 are in a declining value and order of importance. Criterion (1) is the highest with Criterion (5) being the lowest. (1) Professional qualifications necessary for satisfactory performance of required services; (2) Specialized experience and technical competence in the type of work required, including, where appropriate, experience in energy conservation, pollution prevention, waste reduction, and the use of recovered materials; (3) Capacity to accomplish the work in the required time; (4) Past performance on contracts with Government Agencies and private industry in terms of cost control, quality of work, and compliance with performance schedules; (5) Location in the general geographical area of the project and knowledge of the locality of the project; if application of this criterion leaves an appropriate number of qualified firms, given the nature and size of the project. CRITERION 1 - Professional Qualifications necessary for satisfactory performance of required services. Offerors will be evaluated in terms of the qualifications, competence and experience of the key personnel and technical team proposed to accomplish this work. Key personnel are individuals who will have major contract or project management responsibilities and/or will provide unusual or unique expertise. Provide a balanced licensed and or certified workforce in the following disciplines Architectural, Mechanical, Plumbing, and Electrical Design. Submission requirements: Provide resumes for all proposed key personnel. Resumes are limited to one page each and should cite project specific experience and indicate proposed role in this contract. Provide professional registration, certification, licensure and/or accreditation. Indicate participation of key personnel in example projects in the SF330 Part 1 Section G. Criterion 2 - Specialized experience and technical competence in the type of work required, including, where appropriate, experience in medical facility design. Offerors will be evaluated on specialized experience and technical competence in the performance of services like those anticipated under this contract about: Expansion of Medical Facilities Experience working in and around an operational Medical Facility Specific experience and qualifications of personnel proposed for assignment to the project and their record of working together as a team. A Submission requirements: At a minimum, interested firms are required to provide five (5) not to exceed seven (7) projects completed or substantially completed within the past ten (10) years that best illustrate specialized experience of the proposed team in the areas outlined above. Example projects shall note project s square footage. All projects provided in the SF-330 must be completed by the office/branch/regional office/individual team member proposed to manage and/or perform work under this contract. To enable verification, firms should include the DUNS number along with each firm name in the SF-330 Part 1, Section F Item 25 Firms from Section C Involved in this Project, block (1). Include a contract number or project identification number in block 21. Include an e-mail address and phone number for the point of contact in block 23(c). Include in the project description, the contract period of performance, award contract value, current contract value, and summary of the work performed that demonstrates relevance to specialized experience as outlined above. If the contractor served as a subcontractor on a project, indicate the value of the work they provided towards the performance of the overall project. If a project was performed by a joint venture, and not all joint venture partners are on the team proposed for this contract, the offeror/team should specifically address the work performed by the joint venture partner offering/teaming on this contract. Likewise, if the offeror/team member worked as a subcontractor on a project, the description should clearly describe the work performed by the offeror/team member and the roles and responsibilities of each on the project, rather than the work performed on the project as a whole. If the project description does not clearly delineate the work performed by the entity/entities offering/teaming on this contract, the project could be eliminated from consideration. Additionally, Firms are required to return and submit the Attachment B titled Criterion 2 Format, which will clearly demonstrate specific experiences and qualifications of personnel proposed for assignment to the project and their record of working together as a team. Specifically list similar scoped projects covering the previous 10 years and clearly show participation. (See SF330 Part I Section G, but not excluding other information provided on the SF330 and supporting documentation.) NOTE: If the Offeror is a joint venture, information should be submitted as a joint venture; however, if there is no information for the joint venture, information should be submitted for either joint venture partner, not to exceed a total of seven (7) projects for this criterion. Projects shall be submitted on the SF-330. For submittal purposes, a task order on an IDIQ contract is considered a project, as is a stand-alone contract award. Do not list an IDIQ contract as an example of a completed project. Instead, list relevant completed task orders or stand-alone contract awards that fit within the definition above. Examples of project work submitted that do not conform to this requirement will not be evaluated. Failure to provide requested data, accessible points of contact, or valid phone numbers could result in a firm being rated lower. All information for Criterion 2 should be submitted in Part 1, Section F of the SF-330. The Government WILL NOT consider information submitted in addition to Part 2, Section F in evaluating Criterion 2. Criterion 3 - Capacity to accomplish the work in the required time. Firms/teams will be evaluated in terms of their ability to plan for and manage work under the contract and capacity to accomplish the work in the required time. Submission requirements: Describe the firm s ability to concurrently perform and manage multiple projects in different locations to meet aggressive schedules, multiple disciplines, and control costs and the firm s capacity to accomplish multiple projects simultaneously. Additionally, Prospective contractors are required to provide a list of current projects with a design fee of greater than $10,000 currently being designed in the firms office. Indicate the availability of the proposed project team (including sub-consultants) for the specified contract performance period in terms of: (1.) both the average and maximum number of projects being worked simultaneously for the previous twelve (12) month period, for each key personnel member, (2.) the number of projects currently being worked by each key personnel member identified in the SF330, and (3.) the number of projects that could be added to workload, given size and complexity. Criterion 4 - Past Performance Offerors will be evaluated on past performance with Government agencies and private industry in terms of work quality, compliance with schedules, cost control, and stakeholder/customer satisfaction. Evaluating past performance and experience will include information provided in Past Performance Questionnaires (PPQs) or CPARS/ACASS for Criterion 1 projects and may include other information provided by the firm, customer inquiries, Government databases, and other information available to the Government including contacts with points of contact in other criteria. Failure to provide requested data, accessible points of contact, or valid phone numbers could result in a firm being rated lower. NOTE: Past performance information for projects listed under Criterion 1. Project Recency: A project will be considered recent only if performance was completed within ten (10) years of the date of issuance of this public announcement. Ongoing projects will not be considered as no accurate performance record can exist for work not yet completed. Submission requirements: SUBMIT A COMPLETED CPARS/ACASS EVALUATION FOR EACH PROJECT UNDER CRITERION 1. IF THERE IS NOT A COMPLETED CPARS/ACASS EVALUATION, the Past Performance Questionnaire (PPQ) included in this notice is provided for the offeror or its team members to submit to the client for each project the offeror includes under Criterion 1. AN OFFEROR SHALL NOT SUBMIT A PPQ WHEN A COMPLETED CPARS/ACASS IS AVAILABLE. IF A CPARS/ACASS EVALUATION IS NOT AVAILABLE, ensure correct phone numbers and email addresses are provided for the client point of contact. Submit no less than three (3) and no more than five (5) past performance references for recent and relevant projects identified on SF330 Part I Section F. Completed PPQs should be submitted with your SF-330. If the offeror is unable to obtain a completed PPQ from a client for a project(s) before the response date set forth in this notice, offerors should complete and submit with their responses the first page of the PPQ (Attachment A), which will provide contract and client information for the respective project(s). Offerors may submit a PPQ previously submitted under a different Notice/RFP (legible copies are acceptable) if it is on the same form as posted with this Synopsis. Offerors should follow up with clients/references to ensure timely submittal of questionnaires. If requested by the client, questionnaires may be submitted directly to the Government's point of contact, Network Contracting Office 6, Attn: Crystil Bennett via email at crystil.bennett@va.gov and courtesy copy Mr. Keith Hunter via email at Keith.Hunter@va.gov prior to the response date. Offerors shall not incorporate by reference into their response PPQs or CPARS previously submitted in response to other A/E services procurements. However, this does not preclude the Government from utilizing previously submitted PPQ information in the past performance evaluation. Criterion 5 - Location in the general geographical area (Asheville, NC) and knowledge of the (Asheville, NC); provided, that application of this criterion leaves an appropriate number of qualified firms, given the nature and size of the project. Provided that the application of this criterion leaves an appropriate number of qualified firms, given the nature and size of the contract, firms/teams will be evaluated on the locations of their office or offices that will be performing the work under this contract. Submission requirements: Indicate firms/teams location, including main offices, branch offices and any sub consultants offices and demonstrate how this will be advantageous to the Government. SELECTION PROCESS: The agency has convened an evaluation board for the evaluation of responses to this notice. Responses will be evaluated in accordance with the Selection of Architects and Engineers Statute (Public Law 92-582), formerly known as the Brooks Act, and implemented in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 36.6. Specifically, SF 330 submissions will be evaluated to identify the most highly qualified firms, using the selection criteria identified above. Discussions will be held with at least three (3) of the most highly qualified firms. Interviews may be conducted. The processes at FAR 36.602-4 and FAR 36.606 will then be followed. SELECTION INTERVIEW: Interviews shall be scheduled with firms slated as the most highly qualified. Firms slated for interviews will be asked a series of established questions. Elaborate presentations are not desired. GENERAL INFORMATION: All design and work will conform to the current edition of the VA Master Specifications and VA Design Standards as published at the following site: www.cfm.va.gov; ASME, OSHA, IBC 2009, NFPA and NEC building codes and standards. Coordinate all work through the COR of Facilities Management Service. Contractor is responsible for all cleanups and refuse disposal throughout the construction period. The A-E firm will prepare drawings and specifications in enough detail such that qualified outside General Contracting companies can prepare accurate and timely proposals for the desired construction work. Microsoft Project scheduling and management software will be used by both the A-E and Contractors to allow for regular tracking of schedules and work by the VA Medical Center. Schedules with MS Project will be regularly sent to the COR upon project initiation and whenever significant changes occur in the schedule. The estimated magnitude of construction is between $10,000,000.00 and $20,000,000.00. The A-E will provide an initial estimate of cost to perform the above work and will design only those items that can be provided within the cost limitation. The Estimated Cost of Construction (ECC) shall only be provided to the Contractor in which a formal proposal is sought for the purposes of providing a proposal. The Medical Center must remain operational throughout the construction period and a detailed sequence of work will be provided by the A-E to minimize impact of the construction. The A-E will provide documents at each submission as indicated in the statement of work. The NAICS code for this procurement will be 541330, Engineering Services. The current small business size standard for 541330 is $25.5 Million. DESIGN COSTS: All offerors are advised that in accordance with VAAR 836.606-73(a) the total cost of the architect or engineer services contracted for must not exceed six percent (6%) of the estimated cost of the construction project plus any fees for related services and activities. Additionally, FAR 52.236-22 Design Within Funding Limitations, will be applicable to this procurement action. Design limitation costs will be provided to the most highly rated A-E firm(s) selected in accordance with the outlined process. LIMITATIONS ON SUBCONTRACTING: In accordance with VAAR 852.219-10, VA Notice of Total Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Set-Aside and 13 CFR 125.6, a service-disabled veteran-owned small business concern (SDVOSB) agrees that, in the performance of the contract, it will not pay more than 50% of the amount paid by the government to firms that are not similarly situated. Firms that are similarly situated are those that are also CVE-registered SDVOSBs. Requirement for Electronic Submission Unless paper offers are specifically authorized, all responses to this pre-solicitation notice must be submitted electronically as described below.A The only acceptable paper form for this requirement is the receipt of past performance questionnaires. Failure to comply with this requirement may jeopardize the possibility of receiving an award for the contract due to non-compliance with the terms of the solicitation.A You must submit your electronic offer, and any supplemental information (such as spreadsheets, backup data, technical information), using any of the electronic formats and media described below. In addition, contractors are notified of the award via an electronic Notice of Award e-mail.A The award document will be attached to the Notice of Award e-mail. Acceptable Electronic FormatsA (Software) for Submission of Offers Files readable using the current Microsoft* Office version Products: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or Access.A Spreadsheet documents must be sent in a format that includes all formulas, macro, and format information.A Print or scan images of spreadsheets are not acceptable.A A Please see security note below for caution regarding use of macros. When submitting construction drawings contractors are required to submit one set in AutoCAD and one set in Adobe PDF. (Purpose: contracting can open the PDF version and engineering can open AutoCAD files) Files in Adobe* PDF (Portable Document Format) Files:A When scanning documents scanner resolution should be set to 200 dots per inch, or greater. Another electronic format.A A If you wish to submit an offer using another format than those described in these instructions, e-mail the Contracting Officer/Specialist who issued the solicitation. Please submit your request at least five (5) calendar days before the scheduled closing date of the solicitation.A A Request a decision as to the format acceptability and make sure you receive approval of the alternate format before using it to send your offer. Please note that we can no longer accept .zip files due to increasing security concerns. E-mail Submission Procedures: For simplicity in this guidance, all submissions in response to a solicitation will be referred to as offers. Subject Line:A Include the solicitation number, name of company, and closing date of solicitation.A A Size:A Maximum size of the e-mail message shall not exceed ten (10) megabytes.A The SF330 (not including past performance questionnaires) are limited to 60 pages. If the page limits are exceeded, the pages in excess of the limit will not be read nor considered. Only one email is permitted unless otherwise stated in this paragraph or in writing by the Contract Officer submitting the solicitation. Due to VA IT Security protocols, email submissions are limited to 10Mb per email. Furthermore, it is the sole responsibility of the prospective firms to confirm receipt of their submission in its entirety prior to the closing date & time of their submission in response to this synopsis. The Microsoft Outlook A(C) Email time/date stamp will be used to date and time stamp offers for the official record of receipt for the submission. The date and time stamp in recipients inbox is the official record of receipt. Security Issues, Late Bids, Unreadable Offers Late submission of offers is outlined at FAR Parts 52.212-1(f), 52.214-7, and 52.215-1(c)(3).A Attention is warranted to the portion of the provision that relates to the timing of submission.A A Please see FAR 15.207(c) for a description of the steps the Government shall take with regard to unreadable offers. A To avoid rejection of an offer, vendors must make every effort to ensure their electronic submission is virus-free.A Submissions or portions thereof submitted and which the automatic system detects the presence of a virus or which are otherwise unreadable will be treated as unreadable pursuant to FAR Parts 14.406 and FAR 15.207(c ). The virus scanning software used by our e-mail systems cannot always distinguish a macro from a virus. Therefore, sending a macro embedded in an e-mail message or an e-mail attachment may cause the e-mail offer to be quarantined. You may send both the spreadsheet and the spreadsheet saved in PDF format to ensure that your proposal is readable. Password protecting your submission is not permitted. The Contracting Officer will file the offer electronically which will allow access only by designated individuals. The Method of Contractor Selection has not been determined at this Time. *The value for this project is based on a financial range. The value is listed as the highest possible cost from the range provided by a stakeholder or official project document.